Fried fish with polenta and garlic sauce

Fried fish with polenta and garlic sauce: a simple and tasty feast

Fried fish with polenta and garlic sauce is a classic recipe, full of flavor, that brings to mind family Sunday meals. This combination of crispy fried fish, creamy polenta, and aromatic garlic sauce is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Here’s how to bring this dish to your table, step by step, sharing some kitchen secrets for a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh fish (preferably pike, carp, or trout)
- 1 cup flour
- 300 ml oil for frying
- Cornmeal for polenta (about 200 g)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- Salt
- Water (for polenta)

Step 1: Preparing the fish
First, I recommend choosing fresh fish. Make sure it looks firm, with clear eyes and gills well attached. Clean the fish of scales, then open it with a sharp knife and remove the intestines. Wash it well under cold running water and let it drain in a colander.

A useful trick: to eliminate the fishy smell, you can leave it for 5-10 minutes in a bowl of milk. This will help enhance the flavor and achieve a finer texture.

Step 2: Cooking the polenta
In a pot, add salted water (about 1 liter of water for 200 g of cornmeal) and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the polenta becomes creamy and pulls away easily from the sides of the pot. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Frying the fish
Meanwhile, prepare the pan. Add the oil and let it heat well. Dredge the fish in flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. When the oil is hot (you can check if it's ready by adding a small piece of fish – if it sizzles, it's time to start frying), carefully place the fish in the pan. Fry for about 5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The fish should become golden and crispy.

Step 4: Preparing the garlic sauce
While the fish is frying, prepare the garlic sauce. Crush a few cloves of garlic (4-5 cloves are enough for an intense flavor) with a tablespoon of coarse salt until it becomes a paste. Gradually add olive oil, stirring continuously until you achieve a creamy consistency, similar to mayonnaise. You can add sour cream and some chopped dill or tarragon for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serving
When everything is ready, serve the fried fish hot, alongside the polenta and garlic sauce. A slice of lemon can add a touch of freshness that perfectly complements this dish.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more flavorful fish, you can marinate it a few hours in advance, using lemon juice and your favorite spices.
- Another trick is to soak it for an hour in water with vinegar (2 tablespoons of vinegar per 1 liter of water) to eliminate unpleasant odors.

Nutritional benefits:
Fish is an excellent source of quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, beneficial for heart and brain health. Polenta is a healthy carbohydrate alternative, rich in fiber, while garlic adds antioxidants and antibacterial properties.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What type of fish should I choose? Any fresh fish works, but carp, pike, and trout are the most common choices.
2. How can I tell if the fish is fresh? Check the eyes – they should be clear, not cloudy. Also, the flesh should be firm.
3. Can I use another fat for frying? Yes, sunflower oil or clarified butter are excellent alternatives.

Possible variations:
If you want to try a more sophisticated version, you can add spices like smoked paprika or herbs to the flour before dredging the fish. A vegetarian option would be to replace the fish with sliced eggplant or zucchini, prepared in the same way.

Serving suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer, thus completing the culinary experience. If you want to add a touch of freshness, feel free to serve it alongside a tomato salad with onion and basil.

I wish you a good appetite and happy cooking! This simple recipe for fried fish with polenta and garlic sauce will bring smiles and joyful moments to your table, being not only a tasty dish but also a way to reconnect with culinary traditions.